The first-line treatment of systemic AL amyloidosis comprises a combination of intensive chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Chemotherapeutic agents target plasma cell clones responsible for producing the amyloid proteins. The combination regimens for systemic AL amyloidosis are often similar to those used to treat multiple myeloma and include melphalan and prednisone.
When AL amyloidosis affects the heart or kidneys, transplantation for damaged organs may be considered.
Monoclonal antibody therapies targeting plasma or amyloid deposits in patients with AL amyloidosis are currently in development, but none is yet clinically available.
Radiation therapy may be used for localized amyloidosis when clusters of plasma cells are identifiable, but this treatment is not suitable for patients with systemic AL amyloidosis.
For more on amyloidosis treatment, read here.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Herbert S. Diamond. Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Amyloidosis? - Medscape - Nov 02, 2018.
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